Desquam-X Wash - Clinical Pharmacology

The effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne vulgaris is primarily attributable to its antibacterial activity, especially with respect to Propionibacterium acnes, the predominant organism in sebaceous follicles and comedones.1,2 The antibacterial activity of this compound is presumably due to the release of active or free-radical oxygen capable of oxidizing bacterial proteins.3 In acne patients treated topically with benzoyl peroxide, resolution of the acne usually coincides with reduction in the levels of P. acnes and free fatty acids (FFA). Mild desquamation is another observed action of topically applied benzoyl peroxide and may also play a role in the drug’s effectiveness in acne.3 Studies also indicate that topical benzoyl peroxide may exert a se-bostatic effect with a resultant reduction of skin surface lipids.4,5

Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be absorbed by the skin, where it is metabolized to benzoic acid and then excreted as benzoate in the urine.6

Indications and Usage for Desquam-X Wash

DESQUAM-X 5 and DESQUAM-X 10 Wash are indicated for the topical treatment of mild to moderate acne. In more severe cases, it may be used as an adjunct in therapeutic regimens including benzoyl peroxide gels, antibiotics, retinoic acid products and sulfur/salicylic acid-containing preparations. The improvement of the treated condition is dependent on the degree and type of acne, the frequency of use of Desquam-X Wash and the nature of other therapies employed.

Contraindications

This product should not be used in patients known to be sensitive to benzoyl peroxide or any other of the listed ingredients.

Precautions

General:

Avoid contact with eyes and other mucous membranes. For external use only. In patients known to be sensitive to the following substances, there is a possibility of cross-sensitization: benzoic acid derivatives (including certain topical anesthetics) and cinnamon.

Information for Patients:

This product may bleach colored fabric or hair. Concurent use with PABA-containing sunscreens may result in transient discoloration of the skin.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility:

Based upon considerable evidence, benzoyl peroxide is not considered to be a carcinogen. However, in one study, using mice known to be highly susceptible to cancer, there was evidence for benzoyl peroxide as a tumor promoter. Benzoyl peroxide has been found to be inactive as a mutagen in the Ames Salmonella and other assays, including the mouse dominant lethal assay. This assay is frequently used to assess the effect of substances on spermatogenesis.

Pregnancy (Category C):

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with benzoyl peroxide (Desquam-X Wash). It is also not known whether benzoyl peroxide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Benzoyl peroxide should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers:

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when benzoyl peroxide is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use:

Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 have not been established.

Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions which may be encountered with topical benzoyl peroxide include excessive drying (manifested by marked peeling, erythema and possible edema), and allergic contact sensitization.

Excessive dryness would appear to occur in approximately 2 patients in 50.

Pertinent literature would seem to indicate that allergic sensitization to benzoyl peroxide may occur in 10 to 25 patients in 1,000.7,8,9 There is one reference that reports an occurrence of sensitization in 5 of 100 patients.10

Overdosage

In the event that excessive scaling, erythema or edema occur, the use of this preparation should be discontinued. If the reaction is judged to be due to excessive use and not allergenicity, after symptoms and signs subside, a reduced dosage schedule may be cautiously tried.

Desquam-X Wash Dosage and Administration

Shake well before use. Wash affected areas once or twice daily, avoiding contact with eyes or mucous membranes. Wet skin areas to be treated prior to administration; apply Desquam-X Wash, work to a full lather, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. The amount of drying or peeling may be controlled by modification of dose frequency or drug concentration.